Radiological Risk Assessment of Primordial Radionuclides in Catfish Samples from Commercial Fish Ponds In Osogbo, Osun State, Nigeria
Keywords:
Radionuclides, Gamma spectroscopic assembly, Radiation dose, Contamination, CatfishAbstract
Fish is a primary protein source for most residents of Osogbo and Nigeria. This study verified the possibility of radioactive contamination in the study region due to catfish consumption. Using gamma spectroscopic assembly, the activity concentrations of the primordial radionuclides Uranium-238 (U-238), Thorium-232 (Th-232) and Potassium-40 (K-40) were assessed in catfish. Thereafter, the committed effective dose resulting from catfish consumption was determined from the measured activity concentrations of U-238, Th-232 and K-40 for the residents of the researchregion. The projected yearly committed effective doses foundin this investigation were less than the public's allowed limitof 1.0 mSv/y, according to the findings. This suggests there isno significant harm to the population's radiological healthfrom the radiation dosage obtained from consuming theexamined catfish samples. However, the long-term healthrisks, particularly from uranium and thorium, remain aconcern due to their carcinogenic and mutagenic properties.To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to implementradionuclide monitoring programmes by regulatory bodiesand to create public awareness regarding potential risksassociated with consumption of fish with elevatedradionuclide concentrations.
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